Be the change: unite for a better internet #SID2017

07 February 2017, David Owen, Senior Communications Executive

The Phone-paid Services Authority is proud to support Safer Internet Day 2017, #SID2017. This year we are joining over 1,200 organisations across the UK in helping to create a better and safer internet. We will be tweeting advice and information about phone-paid services throughout the day - so have a read about what the day is about and see how you can support.

What is SID2017?
Safer Internet Day 2017 highlights the positive uses of technology and explores the role we all play in helping to create a better and safer online community. The day calls upon young people, parents, carers, teachers, companies, and wider to join in helping create a better internet. Activities last year reached over 2.8 million children and 2.5 million parents. Of the young people who heard about the day, 87% said they felt more confident about what to do if they were concerned about something online.

What are we doing to support?Ofcom’s children and parents: media use and attitudes report highlights that children are now spending more time online than watching TV. There has also been an increase in the number of young people feeling pressure to make in-app purchases and spend money to level-up or complete games online. We believe it is important to empower young people to use their phone confidently. Knowing what can be charged to a phone bill and staying in control of what you are spending is crucial.

Our social media messages are focused on this and throughout the day we will be sharing advice and examples of what can be charged to your phone bill. We will also be pointing to information on our PhoneBrain website. There is guidance and links to how to set up parental controls and examples of how to speak to your child about what they may see when playing on a phone which can cost real money, such as collecting extra coins, lives and levels. The website also provides information for young people, parents and teachers about what can be accessed online and charged to a phone bill.